"The number one cause of failing a class in North America is not turning in the assignment," he said.

Thibodeau, a Canadian motivational speaker, gave two early morning presentations for students at Grand Blanc High School on Oct. 5.

Thibodeau's presentation focused on the importance of people caring about the people and things around them.

Each person has their own "care bubble" with their care bubble grows to include family members, friends, school, activities and careers as they get older, he said.

Thibodeau said the three best ways a student can demonstratethey care are a by showing up, participating and listening.

By doing those things, Thibodeau said, a student can set himself or herself up for success.

GBHS student adviser Ron Brewer said the high school's student council first saw Thibodeau giving a presentation at a Kensington Lakes Activities Association conference.

He said on the way home from the conference, the dozen students and advisers were excited at the possibility of bringing him to GBHS.

Brewer said Thibodeau earns a base of $1,000 a day for his presentations.

"I think he did a great job," Brewer said. "The message was there — get involved and share your care."

As the secretary of student council, junior Jenna Dado spread the word of the speech by hanging up flyers.

Ryan Garza | The Flint Journal
Motivational speaker Andy Thibodeau, of London Ontario, Canada talks to Grand Blanc High School student Michael Cass (background left) following Thibodeau's speech during an assembly in the gymnasium at Grand Blanc High School on Wednesday.

She said she heard a lot of students laughing and enjoying Thibodeau's speech. She said many students took pictures with him and talked to him throughout the day.

"I though Andy was hilarious," she said. "He did a good job of trying to get students’ attention and he did it in a pretty fun way."

She said the student council will bring in another motivational speaker next school year.

Thibodeau said preparation for a presentation doesn't take long at all after 19 years of doing it.

He said he personalizes his presentations by learning about a school's traditions by looking over its website and talking to school administrators and students before his presentation.

"I just know what to look at when I walk into a school," he said. "What are the posters telling me? What are the kids talking about?"

Thibodeau worked many Grand Blanc traditions and events into his presentation, referencing the high school's successful carnival-themed homecoming and the upcoming canned food drive.

Senior Tyler Elias said Thibodeau's presentation contained information he though he might be able to use in the future.